Mexican State Funeral for a Leg, But Never Mind the Rest
by General Santa Anna rose to power after the siege of the Alamo, but he was soon forgotten, and so was his much revered leg.
The internet abounds with tales of weird funerals and the strange superstitions surrounding them but this true story about a Mexican president is one of the oddest modern day ones I have come across.
The funeral wasn’t for his body, it was only for one of his legs and this is how it came about.
Fall of the Alamo
Image via Wikipedia
Antonio de Santa Anna was the commander who, in 1836, led his troops to victory over Texan rebels at the siege of the Alamo. This was the battle that took the lives of two very famous frontiersmen: James Bowie and Davy Crockett. There were both to become well-known folk heroes. James Bowie is famous for inventing the Bowie knife and Davy Crockett for his Davy Crockett hat.
Davy Crockett
Image via Wikipedia
Jim Bowie
Image via Wikipedia
At he was wounded in 1838 doctors decided that Santa Anna’s leg needed to be amputated. The General kept the leg for four years at his residence near to Veracruz. His grip on Mexico tightened and he became a dictator with a very strong following almost like that found in a cult.
Santa Anna
Image via Wikipedia
It was September 1842 when his followers held a solemn procession in the streets accompanied by bands playing funeral music and laid the leg to rest at the Pantheon of Saint Paula which is a national shrine. All this was done with great respect, pomp and ceremony, as was considered due to an adored leader.
It was not long before his followers got fed up and turned their allegiance elsewhere.
When Santa Anna eventually fell from favour in 1844, the leg was stolen during the ensuing riots and has never been seen since.
The once adored political leader, Santa Anna, died in 1876 at the age of 79. He was poor, had lost his eyesight and the world ignored him. His fame was short-lived and the whereabouts of his once revered leg is still a mystery.
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Post CommentChristine Ramsay
On May 7, 2009 at 2:06 am
This is a great story. I can hardly believe it.
Christine
George W Whitehead
On May 7, 2009 at 2:52 am
Great article, Louie. It’s a good job that he had his false leg, otherwise he wooden be able to walk!
Glynis Smy
On May 7, 2009 at 4:05 am
That was so interesting, I had never heard of this before, thanks for educating me today. It is so refreshing to read quality work.
clay hurtubise
On May 7, 2009 at 6:18 am
I think I hear it at night, waling around my attic!
Thaks,
Clay
Betty Carew
On May 7, 2009 at 6:54 am
Wow Louie I have never heard of this thank you for the info. Excellent write and read
Fegger
On May 7, 2009 at 8:11 am
Very cool researh and mystery.
Katien
On May 7, 2009 at 10:58 am
I enjoyed that. At least his leg got a good funeral while he was popular! I wonder did it have a footstone?
Lex92
On May 7, 2009 at 3:26 pm
great story! I’ve never heard of this!
maranatha
On May 7, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Oh, George….(groan)
Loved the story, Louie! You always find great stuff and present it well!
Michael Eboh
On May 7, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Wonderfully written. Thanks for such an intriguing story.